Non-league club Stockport Town have announced former Carlisle United star Matt Jansen as their new manager - and said he could even make a playing comeback!

The North West Counties League Division One South outfit have confirmed the ex-Premier League man as their new boss.

And the 10th tier club have even raised the possibility that the brilliant ex-Blackburn forward, now 43, could get his boots back on.

In a statement on social media, Stockport Town said: "We are absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of our new manager Matt Jansen.

"Matt brings in an absolute wealth of experience to the club from playing and managing.

"He has also signed non contract forms, making him eligible to play for Town.

"Welcome to SSV [Stockport Sports Village] Matt."

Cumbrian Jansen, who has recently been part of the recruitment team at National League club Stockport County, also tweeted his delight at the move.

"Really excited to get stuck in to this new adventure with a great team around me!," he said of his move to a club which was only founded in 2014.

Stockport Town are owned by Pro Football Academy - whose majority shareholder is wealthy businessman Mark Stott, who also owns Stockport County.

Cheshire-based Jansen's previous managerial role was at Chorley, where he spent three years at the helm after a spell as assistant boss.

That rollowed a role with Leigh alongside Garry Flitcroft after the end of his professional playing career.

Jansen, from Wetheral, burst onto the scene at Carlisle as a young player and went on to play in the top-flight with Crystal Palace and Blackburn.

The skilful forward, who turned down Manchester United, was named in an England squad and was on the brink of going to the 2002 World Cup - before a serious motorcycle crash on holiday in Rome derailed his career.

Jansen has since spoken powerfully on the subject of mental health and has contributed to campaigns including the Football Association's Heads Up initiative.